The 2024 Taste of Kildare Festival, set for September 20th to 22nd at Naas Racecourse, is gearing up to be a spectacular celebration of County Kildare’s diverse food culture and artisan crafts. Created by Into Kildare and supported by Ballymore and Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, the festival is promising an even bigger showcase of artisan producers – from the makers, the bakers and literally the candlestick makers, the event will provide guests with all the ingredients for a tasty and fun day out.
Taste of Kildare will feature a rich tapestry of participants, including local breweries, Craft Beer Village, Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery and Rye River Brewing alongside renowned distillers Hyde Irish Whiskey and Kinsale Mead. Specialist food producers such as Aisling’s Brown Bread will also showcase their products, providing visitors with a taste of Kildare’s finest.
Other interesting makers include Sheridan’s Cheese, Pure Oskar, The Cupcake Bloke, Lily O’Brien Chocolates, Hello Fresh, X-Lite, Lindt Excellence, Dazzled Jewellery, Two Cook’s and the Seaweed Skin Company as well as Sweet Cheese, Beara Bitters, Suckers Lollipops and Graze Dairy.
Wine aficionados will love the selection by the Nude Wine Company and the Winelab Ltd., while Fizz Bizz always puts the fun in a glass or two! Newbridge Silverware, which has been making tableware since 1934 will demonstrate how best to clean silver, while a knife sharpening specialist will show guests how to make the most of their knives. From craft to gourmet food trucks to VIP dining experiences, the event caters to all tastes and preferences with plenty of opportunities to sample countless delectable dishes and see the intricate and specialist craft made by local artisans.
Festival goers can also explore a variety of cultural and visitor attractions integral to the festival experience and indeed to County Kildare’s tourism offering. Highlights include interactive displays from Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, The Carpentry Store’s craft demonstrations, and Clonfert Farm. Additionally, Bargetrip.ie will offer insights into local canal tours, enhancing the visitor experience with their unique waterway adventures.
Each session over the three-day event promises to entertain, feed, and delight attendees with a lineup of activities including oyster and Champagne tastings, local craft beer and artisanal cake pairings, spit roasts, BBQ’s, cocktails, afternoon teas, and much more. Guests can immerse themselves in the fun atmosphere with live music, communal dining, and the opportunity to share stories and experiences
A star-studded lineup of chefs will do talks and demonstrations over the weekend including Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, Gareth Mullins, Gary O’Hanlon, Ross Lewis, Martin Shanahan, Natalie Collins, Jordan Bailey, Holly White, Mindi Keane, Duro Vdovic and Melissa McCabe among others.
Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare, shared her vision for the festival, “Taste of Kildare is not just a festival; it’s a vibrant platform where the best of Kildare’s producers have the chance to showcase their fantastic produce. We are excited to showcase the ‘makers and the shakers’ and the exceptional talents of our local producers and craftspeople. Our aim is to not only celebrate but also to elevate the profile of Kildare as a premier culinary, artisan and craft destination within Ireland and beyond.”
Adding a layer of educational engagement, the festival will host workshops and masterclasses in areas such as beekeeping, whiskey appreciation, and food styling. These sessions will be led by industry experts, providing attendees with both entertainment and valuable learning opportunities from specialist artisans and producers.
Linda Mulryan, Deputy Managing Director of Ballymore in Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, “Ballymore is immensely proud to support the Taste of Kildare. As a company deeply rooted in Kildare, we are passionate about promoting local artisans and supporting our community through such significant events. This festival not only showcases the craft and culinary prowess of the region but also strengthens community bonds.”
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development at Kildare County Council, also highlighted the festival’s importance, “Taste of Kildare is an essential platform for our local food businesses to connect with a wider audience. It celebrates the incredible diversity and creativity within our culinary sector and provides an invaluable opportunity for networking and growth.”
The whole area at Naas Racecourse will be laid out into different quarters so visitors can get to experience interesting and immersive experiences right across the festival site. Areas include Tastes of the World, The Terrace, BBQ Experience, Harvest Lunch Experience, The Cocktail Bar and The VIP Garden Area and VIP Lounge. There is also a Food Truck Village, Music Stage and the Bord na Móna Family and Kids Zone.
The festival is anticipated to draw large crowds, promising to be a great draw for local tourism and hospitality outlets. With its expansive program and the participation of numerous local businesses and artisans, the Taste of Kildare 2024 is set to be a memorable event for all involved.
Taste of Kildare 2024 is proudly presented by Into Kildare, sponsored by Ballymore and supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office. Other sponsors include Calor Gas, Culinary Food Group, Bord na Móna and Newbridge Silverware.
Tickets are now on sale at www.tasteofkildare.ie/tickets and are priced from €15 for general admission. A bundle ticket priced from €27.50 per person offers great value and includes admission, two signature dishes from any of the participating restaurants for one session on any one day over the weekend. Pre booking is essential for the bundle tickets. Group, VIP and corporate bookings are available with great offers in place for the BBQ session on Friday night. The full schedule of events can be seen on www.tasteofkildare.ie which is regularly updated as new restaurants and chefs are announced. Follow @tasteofkildare to keep updated on event news and highlights. Car parking on site is free and a shuttle service will be also available from Naas town centre. All tickets are subject to booking fees.
